2022 Annual Conference Agenda

Visit the registration desk to pick up your conference badge and bag. All individuals wishing to attend any conference event will need a conference badge. During registration, you also may enjoy light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages in the registration area.

Hot Topic - Recap of the Changes to the LTC Regulations

Speakers: Vicki Burlew, RN, LNHA, ADN, Kim Salmi, BSN, LNHA, Donald Haney, BBA, MBA, CMA, Joe Taylor, MHA, MSN, RN, LNHA, FACHE, and Brenda Kretzschmer, ADN, LNHA

Description: Effective Oct. 24, 2022, the federal regulations for nursing homes, Phase 3 goes into effect along with multiple clarifications of existing regulations. Are you ready? This session recaps those changes and discusses best practices to achieve compliance.

Exhibitors for the Monday Exhibit Show are strongly encouraged to complete their set-up during this time slot.

The Board of the MAC Service Corporation will hold its quarterly meeting. The meeting is not open to conference attendees.

The Executive Committee of the MAC Board of Directors will meet. This meeting is not open to conference attendees.

The MCMCFC Board of Directors will meet. The session is open to all MCMCFC members.

The MAC Board of Directors will hold the first of two sessions at the Annual Conference. This session is open to all MAC members.

Enjoy complimentary beverages and light snacks with your fellow conference-goers.

Day 1 of the conference concludes with a strolling dinner at the Blue Water Convention Center.

Once again, our friends at the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority are providing “The Hangout,” a place off the conference floor that allows attendees to relax, engage in quiet conversation, check those emails or grab a cup of coffee or tea. Be sure to visit MMRMA’s booth at the Exhibitor Show!

Exhibitors have one final hour to set up their booths prior to the start of the Exhibitor Show.

Registration continues on Monday. Be sure to collect your conference badge to ensure access to all conference events.

Day 2 of the conference begins with a light breakfast.

The Exhibitor Show will feature more than 30 vendors offering products and services of special interest to county governments. Don’t forget to fill out your Exhibitor Bingo card for a chance to win one of two $250 grand prizes.

County Collaboration in Broadband Buildout

Speakers: Bruce Moore, Highline; Jennifer Greenburg, PFN

Description: After years of lagging investment, Michigan businesses and residents have pushed for more focus on broadband buildout to unserved and underserved communities. With the recent influx of funds from the federal government, the state has more than enough resources to adequately invest in broadband expansion. How can counties capitalize on this and use their funds in the best way possible to spur economic development and residential connectivity for their community? This session will bring the broadband industry to the table to talk about expansion and the value of creating public-private partnerships to achieve our common goals.

The Exhibitor Show features more than 30 vendors offering products and services of special interest to county governments. Don’t forget to fill out your Exhibitor Bingo card for a chance to win one of two $250 grand prizes.

Strategies to Retain Your Leadership

Speakers: Vicki Burlew, RN, LNHA, ADN, Kim Salmi, BSN, LNHA, Donald Haney, BBA, MBA, CMA, Joe Taylor, MHA, MSN, RN, LNHA, FACHE, and Brenda Kretzschmer, ADN, LNHA

Description: A panel of your peers digs to the Root Cause of why their leadership team stayed with the organization through the pandemic. We use a familiar Root Cause Analysis Tool to figure out what we did RIGHT – and make sure we carry those practices forward. We do not focus on why people leave. Why do they stay? We invite the audience to participate in the analysis. At the end, we discuss how to carry these strategies throughout the organization.

Breakout 1 – What Do Your Residents Actually Know About Their County’s Work?

Speakers: Michael Simon, VP of Strategic Partnershps, Zencity and Chelsea Maupin, Research Manager & Strategist, Lenawee County Administrator

Description: Michigan counties have emerged stronger than ever from the pandemic and its aftermath. Yet evaluating the quality and perception of services that counties and its partners provide to residents continues to be challenging. Our communities often hold misconceptions about the division of responsibility between the state, county and the jurisdictions within it, and beyond that, continually collecting and analyzing performance metrics requires significant effort, time and resources. In this session we will share findings from engagement projects Zencity and its Michigan partners have implemented around the state in order to help counties improve services and communication strategies, increase satisfaction and build trust among residents. Examples will include trends of resident feedback and sentiment analysis in Michigan Counties, implementation of a services satisfaction survey and results from a survey launched in partnership with the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and Güd Marketing to understand Michigan residents’ awareness of Michigan Works! (Michigan Works! works with counties across the state to provide jobseekers the support, training and services they need to get back to work, find new employment, obtain needed credentials, and more).





Breakout 2 – What Do County Veteran Counselors Do?

Speaker: Chris Smith, BBA, President, Michigan Association of County Veteran Counselors

Description: As the President of the Michigan Association of Veteran Counselors and Director of the St. Clair County Department of Veterans Affairs, I will be explaining who serves on the Michigan Association of Veteran Counselors Executive board, and the counties they are serving in as County Veteran Service Officers across the state of Michigan. Included in this presentation will be an overview of MACVC membership, mission, and objectives that are used in helping eligible veterans and their dependents across the State obtain their benefits. In the second half of the presentation, we will be reviewing the economic value added by having a Veterans Affairs office with accredited County Veteran Service Officers assisting veterans and their dependents in obtaining any assistance through local, State and Federal Programs.





Breakout 3 – What Should Your County be Doing to Prepare for Electric Vehicles?

Speaker: Erin Quetelle, MPA, Environmental Sustainability Officer, Oakland County

Description: As the transportation sector moves to aggressively ramp up the production of electric vehicles (EV), communities need to deploy corresponding charging infrastructure to further consumer adoption and develop sufficient infrastructure to support the operation of the growing EV fleet. What are the tools and data needed to deploy this infrastructure? What can counties do to support their local municipalities in infrastructure development and EV adoption? In this session you will have a quick EV 101 primer, learn about upcoming federal funding opportunities, and hear about the regional planning effort already underway in Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties.

MAC Legislative Update

Speakers: Deena Bosworth, MAC Director of Governmental Affairs

The Exhibitor Show features more than 30 vendors offering products and services of special interest to county governments. Don’t forget to fill out your Exhibitor Bingo card for a chance to win one of two $250 grand prizes.

MAC’s Credentials Committee will meet to certify the number of commissioners eligible to participate in regional caucuses and the Annual Business meeting. This meeting is not open to conference attendees.

Legal Updates?

Speaker: Jeffrey Segal, JD

Description: Get the latest legal updates on several topics including access to electronic medical records under the CURES Act and changes to federal Conditions of Participation related to Arbitration Agreements and Resident Rights.

County commissioners who are registered to attend the 2022 Annual Conference are eligible to participate in regional caucuses to fill seats on the MAC Board of Directors.

If you are not sure which region you are from, consult with the map in the registration area.

Breakout 1 – Where Do Counties Fit in on Economic Development?

Speaker: Michelle Wildman, Michigan Economic Development Corp. Description: We will examine some ways counties can improve local partnerships to attract more investments for community development. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation will provide tools and resources for counties to partner with businesses, community members and families.



Breakout 2 – FOIA Update

Speaker: Matt Norfjord, principal, firm of Cohl, Stoker and Toskey

Description: Michigan’s Freedom of Information Act is nearly 50 years old, but it remains one of the least understood measures that apply to the daily functioning of county government. In this breakout session, Matt Nordfjord, Shareholder/Director of Cohl, Stoker and Toskey, P.C., will review the law’s general purpose, how it applies to routine functions of county government and the changes to it since its adoption in 1976. This breakout will allow ample time for questions.



Breakout 3 – Health Care’s Dirty Little Secret and What It’s Costing Your County Budget

Speaker: Brain Cote, RHU/LIC, Chief Executive Officer, 44North, and Sarah Kline, Chief Operating Officer, 44North

Description: When you hear supply chain issues, images of shipping containers stuck in ports might come to mind. Have you ever thought about the healthcare delivery supply chain? It’s a mess, and counties are losing an average of $1,000 per employee annually as a result. Included with our discussion will be two easy takeaways your county can do to take back control.

The Michigan Association of County Administrative Officers will hold a “Nuts and Bolts” session. This meeting is open to MACAO members only.

Monday’s reception is sponsored by CoProPlus, your partner for all of your procurement needs. Conference attendees will receive two drink tickets in their conference badge.

Conference attendees will have the option to use the conference bus service to go from the convention center to a location in downtown Port Huron convenient to numerous restaurants.

Conference attendees may enjoy a full breakfast buffet in advance of the third day of activities.

Registration continues for day three of the conference. Be sure you have your badge so that you have full access to events.

Energy Panel

Speakers: Kathryn Burkholder, BA, MA Manager Stakeholders Relations, Consumers Energy, Cynthia Stump, BBA, MS, Regional Manager, Community Relations, ITC, Stephanie Beres, MBA, MS, APR, Director, Regional Relations, DTE, and Paul Meneghini, BS, MBA, Manager, Community Engagement Great Lakes Region, Enbridge



Maximinzing the Value of Your Therapy Program

Speakers: Brian MacDonald, PT, DPT and Sheryl Still Marler, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Description: Whether your therapy program is in-house or uses contract therapy services, this session will help you to ensure you are getting the full value from your therapy program. In discussing the various therapy models we will discuss optimizing your therapy program clinically, financially, and regulatorily.

Maximizing the Value of Your Therapy Program

Speakers: Brian McDonald, PT, DPT, Doctorate of Physical Therapy and Sheryl Still Marler, OTR/L, Occupational Therapist

Description: Whether your therapy program is in-house or uses contract therapy services, this session will help you to ensure you are getting the full value from your therapy program. In discussing the various therapy models we will discuss optimizing your therapy program clinically, financially and regulatorily.

Cybersecurity Best Practices to Protect Your Organization

Speakers: Matt Lancaster, BS and Carl Schneider, Certified SonicWall Network Security Professional

Description: The demand for cybersecurity is at an all-time high. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated. While there have been targeted attacks on large government infrastructure in the news, the truth is, attackers are casting nets. They don’t care how big the fish are, they just want to catch fish. This session will cover cybersecurity best practices in layman’s terms. It will include a brief history, today’s threats, and how to combat these threats now and into the future.

Breakout 1 – Strategic Use of Brownfield Incentives in Your County

Speaker: Jeff Hawkins, MS, Chief Executive Officer, Envirologic

Description: Is your county’s Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA) being used to its full potential? Does your community understand how it can leverage the county’s BRA to encourage and support economic development? Michigan’s brownfield toolbox is a powerful resource that, in many cases, is underutilized. Brownfield sites (i.e., properties that are contaminated, blighted, functionally obsolete, or a historic resource) typically need additional financial support to offset the conditions that make them a brownfield or an obstacle for redevelopment. Potential site conditions include asbestos, lead-based paint, demolition, vapor mitigation systems, infrastructure, and site preparation. Brownfield funding and incentives are often thought to only be available for cleaning up contaminated sites, but blighted, vacant sites may also qualify. Collaborating with the county’s Land Bank Authority can further strengthen these tools, including supporting affordable or attainable housing. Join us to learn more about these tools and explore successful project examples using unique brownfield strategies.



Breakout 2 – County Partnership with United Way for ALICE

Speaker: Nancy Lindman, MA, County Partnership with United Way for ALICE, Michigan Association of United Ways

Description: County Government leaders’ drive for strong communities is shared by local United Ways across Michigan. Learn how United Way works for the financial stability, education, and health of your county’s residents. Gain expertise on county-specific data from United Way’s ALICE Report which quantifies those who are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. This session provides a way for you to target the magnitude of working people struggling to make ends meet in your county and explore partnership opportunities for advancing their financial stability.



Breakout 3 – Emerging Challenges in Law Enforcement

Speakers: Matt Saxon and Daniel Pfannes, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association

Description: This session will examine several challenges emerging for law enforcement from new policies and practices. We will dive into problems with recruitment and retention and how counties can improve partnerships between communities and law enforcement. The recent development of policies that have had an impact on law enforcement will also be discussed.

Conference attendees will be provided a boxed lunch to enjoy at a leisurely pace while they converse with their colleagues.

Breakout 1 – County Parks 101

Speaker: Brian Keenan-Lechel, MPA, CPRP Director, Saginaw County Parks and Recreation Commission

Description: The way in which our communities benefit from a quality county park system will be the focus of this session. How can counties improve partnerships with recreational services to better benefit their citizens? The session will also explore recent investments in parks and recreation and opportunities for counties to invest in parks.



Breakout 2 – Preparing for Disasters

Speakers: Ryan Wilkinson, MA, PEM, CEM, Emergency Manager, Eaton County, and Allison Farole, MPA, CEM, Emergency Management Administrator, City of Grand Rapids

Description: Emergency management “owns” a ton of disaster real estate. Natural disasters, technological disasters, and human-caused disasters can all affect operations of critical government and business functions that are essential to human health and safety or economic security. As “bridge builders” between “islands of interests,” emergency managers play an important role in linking stakeholders to include our elected officials and administrators to foster collaboration before, during, and after disasters.

An emergency management mantra is ensuring we aren’t exchanging business cards in the middle of a disaster. Are you actively engaged with your local emergency management department? With our continuously evolving threat and hazard environment, this presentation will explore the opportunities for successful emergency management collaboration and engagement in 2022 and beyond.



Breakout 3 – Dealing with Media

Speaker: Josh Hovey, principal, Martin Waymire Advocacy Communications

Description:The media landscape is constantly changing. Newsrooms across the state have diminished, which can make getting news coverage even more challenging than ever. But what happens when you land that big interview? This presentation will provide an overview of Michigan’s media environment, strategies for securing visibility for your county and tips for putting your best foot forward in a variety of interview formats.

Protect Your Revenue; Decrease Losses Through Better A/R & Billing Operations

Speaker: Cynthia Dunne, BS

Description: Hidden financial losses are plentiful these days and go easily undetected in Skilled Nursing Facilities. Payer takebacks, payer errors, billing errors, misunderstanding of managed care contract details, payment posting issues, consolidated billing, level of care issues, Medicare Beneficiary Notices and other items put facilities at risk for loss of revenue. Executives will gain valuable information to help avoid revenue streams from getting choked.

MAC’s Annual Business Meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. in the Blue Water Convention Center. County commissioners who are registered for the conference may participate as voting members in the business meeting, which includes review and approval of MAC’s 2022-2023 policy platforms. Members also will receive reports on the elections for Board seats conducted on the afternoon of Monday, Sept. 19. And Kent County Commissioner Stan Ponstein will take the oath of office to become MAC’s 114th Board President.

The MAC Board of Directors will hold the second of two meetings at the conference. At this meeting, newly elected or re-elected board members will be sworn in and the board will elect officers for the 2022-23 member year. This meeting is open to all MAC members.

Join newly inaugurated MAC Board President Stan Ponstein and your fellow conference attendees for an evening of fine food, beverages and entertainment from comedian Chris Young.

Join MAC Board President Stan Ponstein in his suite at the Doubletree Hotel for drinks, light snacks and conversation.

Thank you for attending the 2022 Annual Conference. We wish you safe travels.